EASTHAMPTON — The record book may show that Easthampton just enjoyed its finest volleyball season ever, including a Western Mass. runner-up finish, but you can’t fault the Eagles for wishing they could progress further in the Division 5 state tournament.
The sixth-seeded Eagles bowed out Wednesday, however, ousted in straight sets by visiting Millis, 25-12, 25-22, 25-15, in the state’s Round of 16.
Easthampton put the wraps on a 15-7 season while No. 11 seed Millis improved to 8-12, with a quarterfinal-round match Friday at 5 p.m. at third-seeded Mount Greylock (17-3).
“This is amazing for Easthampton. Last year at this time, I would have never predicted that we’d be here again,” said Eagles coach Molly Jacobson. “This team had to fill a lot of shoes from last year, graduating seven seniors who were all starters. I’m so proud of the work they’ve put in, and their heart, and showing up every single day to practice to earn this.”
In the first set, the Eagles needed a few points to get their legs under them, falling behind 4-0 before rallying to tie. The Mohawks used the net play and strong hitting of Maryn Cyr and Meredith Gatz, then a pair of late service aces each from Leah Abraham and Madison Adams, to break away from a 14-10 advantage with 11 of the final 13 points. Easthampton could manage only three kills in the first set, two coming from senior Maggie Barr.
The second set was a much more grinding affair, featuring 11 ties. Kayley Downie served the Eagles back from a 14-10 deficit with six straight points for a 16-14 edge. With Millis up 21-19, Easthampton capitalized on three straight errors to go back in front 22-21, but the Mohawks then put up the final four points to win narrowly, 25-22.
Similarly, Easthampton edged in front 11-10 in the third set, with six more ties up to that point. Katelyn Martin delivered a kill to give the Eagles their one-point lead. Millis surged back in front with eight of the next nine to lead 18-12. Kaelin Damon’s kill and service ace and a kill by Barr kept the Eagles within 18-15, but the Mohawks promptly served out the match with the last seven points, including three aces by Adams.
“Traditionally, we’ve had slow starts in most of our matches,” said Jacobson. “I’ve kind of learned to not get on them, and they just have to figure out what the other team’s doing. I was still feeling hopeful after the first set, because I know that’s how my team is.
“We needed to be the more consistent hitting team and the more consistent serving team, but tonight we were really only a consistent serving team. I don’t think (Millis) had more ability, but they had more consistency than us. They had a lot more discipline and they played a little smarter than we did.”
Easthampton entered the Division 5 state tournament off its Oct. 30 loss to Frontier in the Western Mass. Class C championship match, then bounced KIPP Academy of Lynn in four sets in its state tournament opener.
Seniors Barr, Emily Kostek, and Bansri Patel played their final match in maroon and white Wednesday. Barr ended with a team-high six kills while Martin, Damon, and Erin Teague each recorded a pair.